Hasta La Ideas

Champagne was originally made with the wine vinified in oak barrels before it was transferred to bottles for fermentation. Maturing in barrels gives the wine a deeper and more multifaceted character. This practice was largely replaced by vinification in steel vats given the ease and economics (this still makes great champagnes and nearly all champagne and sparkling wines you drink are made this way). Family-owned and operated Billecart-Salmon’s Brut Sous Bois translates to “Brut (a style of champagne) under wood” and is made from all three Champenois varietals—Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay in equal measure. Noticeably different on first nose, with its vanilla and fruit-forward notes, it’s a traditional, full-flavored approach that takes the maison’s already delicious liquid one step further. It’s great on its own of course and doesn’t need a special occasion to enjoy it, though it pairs very nicely with seafood. It’s as much a treat for your nose as well as for your mouth. We chose Wine.com as they deliver the most widely, but you can check your local spirit shop and other online vendors as the price does vary.